Rockhampton Regional Council has today welcomed a $40.4million funding commitment from the Queensland Government toward the Mount Morgan water pipeline.
Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams said having one of Council’s major advocacy priorities come to fruition is a fantastic outcome for the Mount Morgan Community.
“This has been something this Council has been actively lobbying for, both at the federal and state level, so this great news,” Mayor Williams said.
“This commitment, together with the federal funding of $3.5million and Council’s contribution of completing the business case can now see this project through to completion.
“From here, the next step will be to progress with the detailed design and we will be talking to the community as we move towards construction.
“I’d like to thank the Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing and Minister for Water Glenn Butcher for his commitment, and the Queensland State Government for including this important project in today’s State Budget.
“I’d also like to thank Barry O’Rourke for advocating for this important project, as well as Gladstone Regional Council Mayor Matt Burnett for his efforts.” Mayor Williams said.
Water Councillor Donna Kirkland said the pipeline project would benefit all ratepayers across the region.
“Council has to spend around $5 million a year to truck water up to Mount Morgan so to have this project funded now is a win for our entire region,” Cr Kirkland said.
“What this does is bring certainty to those residents in Mount Morgan and we look forward to seeing it come to life in the near future as I am sure they will too.”
Divisional Councillor Cherie Rutherford thanked the Mount Morgan community for their patience while Council completed the work to get the project up.
“How absolutely amazing to think that the Mount Morgan community will now have a secure permanent water source which not only benefits the residents today, but will allow the town to grow and prosper in the future.
“Thank you to the Mount Morgan residents for your patience while Council completed the work to get this project up, and for your water conservation efforts.
“Today is a real turning point for securing a long term water supply to the town.
“This project will take around two years to build but with the funding in place, we can now progress with it and deliver a solution once and for all for this town who absolutely deserves it,” Cr Rutherford said.
